U. S. Scott #216 - Used - FR Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

216

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1888

Item Description

Stamp Design Description
Scott #216 is a 5-cent blue stamp from the 1888 U.S. Banknote Issue series. It features a left-facing profile of James A. Garfield surrounded by an ornate oval frame. The denomination “FIVE 5 CENTS” is prominently displayed at the bottom, and the inscription “U.S. POSTAGE” appears beneath it. The deep blue ink provides a striking and classic appearance for this issue.

Soundness
Back Condition: The stamp has a large, deep thin, which qualifies it as Damaged under the PSE guidelines. This fault significantly impacts the structural integrity and soundness of the stamp. Additionally, the back exhibits evidence of hinging.
Front Condition: The perforations are intact, with no missing or pulled teeth. Despite the damage on the back, the front of the stamp does not display structural issues.
Fault Classification: Damaged due to the large, deep thin.

Centering
Assigned Grade: 72 (Fine). The stamp is slightly off-center, with the frameline approaching the perforations on one or two sides. However, there is sufficient white space between the frameline and the perforations, meeting the criteria for Fine centering.

Perforations
The perforations are uniform, clean, and intact, contributing positively to the overall aesthetic despite the back damage.

Eye Appeal
The cancellation is light and does not obscure Garfield’s profile or much of the surrounding design. The deep blue color remains vibrant, providing strong eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points (no deduction for the light cancellation).
Numerical Grading Calculation
Based on Fine Centering + Damaged Soundness, the grade must fall within the Fair (10-19) range, per PSE Guidelines.

Base Grade: 72 (Fine)
Soundness Adjustment: Automatic reduction to the Fair range (10-19) due to the Damaged classification.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No further deduction for the light cancellation.
Final Grade: 12 (Fair, FR)

Overall Evaluation
This Scott #216 is heavily impacted by the large, deep thin on the back, reducing its grade significantly. While the front remains visually appealing due to the light cancellation, vibrant blue color, and intact perforations, the back damage relegates this stamp to the Fair grade range. It would primarily appeal to collectors as a filler piece for this issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (328)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Public Questions